Purpose of the Program

The BP110 Bachelor of Social Science degree is an applied social science program that helps you to understand and engage in public policy-making processes from a number of theoretical and practical perspectives. Specifically the program is designed so that you can draw on a body of contemporary social science theory and research as you develop your skills and knowledge of policy analysis, policy writing, policy making and policy advocacy. This is supplemented by your ability to understand, and design and use, a range of applied social research techniques to explain the kinds of problems which policy makers address. Field-based education experiences from your third year will enhance your engagement with the profession, and build an experiential basis for the more theoretically oriented aspects of the program.

The program will prepare you for graduate entry-level employment in public, private and not-for-profit organisations in Australia and overseas. Typically graduates of this degree are employed to do research, make policy or engage in organisational and workplace change or play a part in developing communications strategies. Currently graduates of this degree are employed by state and federal governments in Departments of Premier and Cabinet, Treasury and Community Service departments, as well as in a wide array of local government authorities. Others are employed in community sector organisations providing everything from housing and legal referral services to family support and drug and alcohol services, in peak bodies and advocacy roles, and in a variety of private for-profit organisations both large and small.

Articulation and pathways

You may be eligible for credit into other RMIT University programs upon successful completion of courses in the Bachelor of Social Science program. Please check with the selection officer of your program of choice.

Entrance requirements

Non-Year 12 applicants are encouraged to apply and may be required to have relevant employment or evidence of experience and/or ability to meet the demands of the program.

From 2012, Semester 1 intake, minimum VCE English prerequisite study scores will apply as follows: Units 3 and 4 - a study score of at least 30 in ESL or 25 in any other English.

Equity admissions schemes RMIT understands that people’s backgrounds and circumstances can affect their access to education and training. RMIT’s equity admissions schemes allow applicants to explain the circumstances that have adversely affected their education, and demonstrate their capacity for future academic success.

International applicants - Entrance requirementsEnglish Language - one of the following:

External accreditation and industry links

In Australia there are no professional bodies that recognise or accredit programs in social science. However, the Bachelor of Social Science program maintains links with relevant industry and sectoral organisations.

The program has strong relationships with a cross-section of government and non-government organizations where graduates can reasonably expect to be employed. It has also built up an extended network of links with organizations as part of its field education courses. These links will continue to be refined and embellished as part of a continuous process of evaluation and refinement of the School's work integrated learning operations. These field education links provide an indispensable part of your learning experience.

Student expenses and charges in addition to fees

Once you are enrolled as a student in this program you will need to allow for expenses other than university tuition fees. Additional expenses may relate to the purchase of lecture notes, textbooks, stationery, consumables such as printer paper, fees levied by commercial internet service providers for internet access outside of the university campus, and other relevant costs.

Library, IT and specialist resources

Library resources and servicesAs a student enrolled in a program at RMIT University you can access the extensive services, facilities and study space provided by the Library. You can access books, journals and other course related materials, such as DVDs, past exams, newspapers and e-books. Through our document delivery service you can also request items from any library in the world.

Computers for study are available at every Library site, where you can access the Internet, myRMIT (www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit) or Library e-resources. If you have a laptop you can access the RMIT University wireless network in the Library.

Library staff can show you how to find information for your assignments or you can work through web-based tutorials or use our online Ask a Librarian service. The Library is continually expanding our electronic collections to make it easier for you to get the information you need when you need it. All RMIT University students have unlimited access to quality electronic resources such as, e-books, e-journals and newspapers.You can find more information on Library resources and services at: http://www.rmit.edu.au/library

Online learning tools and contentYou can access online learning tools and content for your program and associated courses at myRMIT studies www.rmit.edu.au/myrmit

Services available to you as a student at RMIT UniversityRMIT University provides a wide range of resources and opportunities to assist your learning and wellbeing so you can achieve your study and career goals.Services are available face to face and online assisting with: